I’ve got a confession to make: I haven’t been to the cinema since I was pregnant – that’s over two years ago! Before Boo I loved going to the cinema as for me it felt like the ultimate time out, no phones, no conversation, no distraction the perfect me time.

I was invited to a press screening of Philomena earlier this week to see what I thought. Philomena is based on a true story adapted from The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by Martin Sixsmith, the fallen from grace ex spin doctor and journalist once again who is not completely thrilled to be working on an human interest piece to get his creative juices flowing.

Philomena Lee who became pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in the early 1950s and was sent to Roscrea Convent where the nuns brutally delivered her baby and enslaved Philomena for four years to ‘pay back her debt’. She saw her son, Anthony for one hour a day until he was sold, against Philomena’s wishes as part of an adoption deal to an American family.

Directed by Stephen Frears and produced by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope we meet Philomena (Dame Judi Dench) as she embarks on this painful and emotional journey with Sixsmith (Steve Coogan). From the first sight of Philomena in the church you see the dignified sadness in her eyes so well-played by Dench; throughout the film there are moments of sadness (I lost count of how many times I cried), but there are also real glints of genuine, humour and happiness (who knew that Big Moma’s House had more appeal that visiting the Lincoln monument – according to Philomena it was a no brainer!)

The film brings together two complete opposites: Martin is an Oxbridge graduate, non believing cultured middle class, middle-aged man and Philomena is a traditional and staunch Irish Catholic (despite her horrific ordeal). Yet just like cheese and honey they are perfect together.

As a Catholic mother I felt pain and so much shame thinking that such horrific acts could come from those who are there to help and serve within the Catholic community.

There isn’t a traditional happy ending but I don’t think that’s what the viewer is there for, closure is probably the best outcome anybody could wish for Philomena Lee and that together with Martin Sixsmith is what she finds.

Frears has done an amazing job as I felt no pity for Philomena only love and admiration on how dignified and determined she remained for over 50 years proving a mother’s love knows no limits and will conqueror all.

Philomena is in cinemas nationwide today.

Last week I was invited to the Joolz Blogger Breakfast at the Boundary Rooftop (it’s amazing, definitely somewhere to add to my little black book!). It’s no secret that up until recently I’ve been a die hard Buagboo fan , however adjusting to life with just a basic stroller after thinking Boo was too big for a pram has been bumpy (and wet) to say the least.

Joolz are a Dutch company producing just the most gorgeous prams! Their differing prams are based round one core product that’s suitable from birth until preschool; yet even with just one product the possibilities are endless… and oh so pretty!

Joolz base their whole business around the idea of Positive Design – where the pushchair is designed around the human body, that of the parent and of the child, this translates in every aspect of the pushchair. From fully adjusting handle height for mini mummies and giant daddies, to a high seat position (Boo isn’t getting any lighter!) plus when folded (with seat attached – take that Bugaboo) it can be stored upright on it’s two feet.

Ok so we all understand that this pram is pretty neat when it comes to folding, usage and ergonomics but lets get down to the nitty-gritty… colours and collections!

The Joolz Day is available in 2 chassis colours and 6 fabric options complete with an impressive array of accessories – my top 2 being the cup holder (obviously!), the foot muff (it extends/ deepens to allow for shoes!) and the AMAZING XL shopping bag (I really really need this!).

They recently launched two other collections the Joolz Day Earth Collection and Joolz Day Studio.

The Joolz Day Earth is all about reconnecting with Earth (it’s nowhere near as new age as it sounds, trust me!) and neutrals . 6 beautiful colours that sound as lovely as they look, Elephant grey, turtle green to name a few..

The Joolz Day Studio Collection is made up of the Studio Noir and Studio Gris and is ‘Crafted with beautiful detail and designed for a romantic stroll at the boulevard’ – now we’re talking! Black is classic so for me my out and out favourite has to be the Studio Noir with it’s double stitched leatherette trim and lining, perfect for Mummy and Boo adventures.

The Positive Design ethos of Joolz doesn’t stop as soon as you’ve bought one of their prams either – for every Joolz registered online they will plant a tree in their special forest named after your baby – they did this as a special treat for us at the Blogger Breakfast; it was lovely to come away with a certificate that says somewhere in Brazil there will be a tree with Boo’s name on.

And to make you feel even less guilty about all the packaging that comes with having a baby, their boxes are designed to be recycled and reused by turning them into amazing children’s furniture…the box that keeps on giving, literally.

In our lovely goody bag we were given a Joolz changing bag and Boo wasted no time in putting it to the test the very next day when she headed off on a weekend getaway with Daddy, well made, lots of pockets and surprisingly roomy she managed to squeeze all her clothes in plus a Barbie or two!

Joolz aren’t just a company who play at being nice, they really live their ethos of Positive Design, yes it’s just a pram I hear you say but for a product that really is such a big part of your family life don’t you want to get it right? I’m glad I’m Bugaboo-less otherwise I’d never have even looked at the Joolz and what a mistake that would have been.

Disclosure: We were given a Joolz changing bag. No payment was received and all opinions are 100% honest, we promise.

It’s just over a week away until Halloween (like you need me reminding you!) and I still haven’t decided whether we’re ‘doing it’. As a child we never celebrated Halloween and I never really got it as an adult with all the fancy dress and ghoulish parties; I was pretty sure nothing would change with Boo and we’d be non celebrators. However it seems that Halloween is here to stay and Boo has taken a real interest in all the pumpkins and the witches hats that seemed to be in stores from the middle of September.

Boo seems to be fascinated with Pumpkins and coupled with her love of fancy dress, she’s now the proud owner of a glittery black witch’s costume and a pumpkin bucket plus the most gorgeous metal house lantern to hang outside the house with a bucket of sweets – that way I won’t be up and down like a yoyo answering the door to trick or treaters!

Boo’s far too young to go trick or treating plus I’m not to sure I agree completely with the idea, I suppose a toddler Halloween party or a local attraction would be best, but obviously nothing too authentic/spooky as it doesn’t take much to scare her!

Would love to hear what your plans are for Halloween, especially if you have little ones – I suppose it all boils down to not wanting her to miss out; at least she’s got the coolest name for Halloween!

Astral is one of those products that I immediately associate with my Grandma – I have fond memories as a child of playing at her dressing table with her vintage popper beads, her rings and her face cream. So when I asked to try Astral I didn’t expect much; I’m a sucker for sophisticated and scientificky (is that even a word) skincare.

The pot is the same as I remember it but what was more memorable was that rich yet pure smell that is so distinctive. Astral is in no way a light cream and as I’m prone to breakouts I was worried it would be too heavy for me however with the colder weather it’s perfect for my skin especially as I’ve thrown myself back into #operationyummymumy and running.

I’ve been using Astral every night before bed for a week and I have to say my skin is plump, moisturized and showing no signs of weather damage from running; it’s like my skin has been hugged!

Astral is the perfect secret weapon for my busy life, I love how it’s versatile, uncomplicated but effective.

Disclosure: We were sent Astral for review. No payment was received and all opinions are 100% honest we promise.